Since the beginning of time, human curiosity has driven a desire to explore the Universe. Governments and space agencies have invested in astronomical discoveries and scientific missions to advance our understanding of the natural world and the Universe beyond, with the hope that they may serve practical purposes such as providing food, water, energy, health care, security and economic growth.
The International Space Station, for example, requires collaboration among space agencies from around the world to maintain a continuous presence in space. Participation in these kinds of projects helps to bridge gaps between nations, builds trust and facilitates the exchange of expertise, promoting peaceful cooperation that will benefit humanity for generations to come.
While the primary justification for space exploration is its practical benefits, it can also be a source of national pride and prestige. These qualities are important as we work to solve the many social, economic and national security challenges facing our planet.
Space exploration also helps to foster creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These abilities are vital for developing solutions to the complex problems faced by our society, and they are strengthened by the rigors of space travel.
Achieving interstellar space is a big goal, but it will require enormous amounts of energy to propel a spacecraft into such a high velocity. To reduce the delta-v needed to reach other planets, some of NASA’s interstellar space probes used a series of gravity assist flybys to help them swing by Jupiter and Saturn (the Voyager 1 and 2 missions), reducing the required delta-v by a factor of five. This strategy will allow spacecraft to tour the outer Solar System before tackling interstellar space itself, a journey that will likely take over 100 years.